Activist Nuru Okanga Detained for 5 Days in Cyber Harassment Probe

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Activist Nuru Okanga will be detained for five more days to allow the DCI to complete investigations into allegations of publishing false information and cyber harassment, following a Milimani Law Courts decision.
• Initial investigations revealed that Okanga allegedly managed accounts posting malicious content about Kenya’s leadership, posing a threat to public safety; the case will be mentioned again on June 18, 2024.

Activist Nuru Okanga will be detained for five more days to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to complete a probe into his alleged offenses of publishing false information and cyber harassment. 

This decision follows the Milimani Law Courts’ approval of the prosecution’s request on Thursday.

Okanga was arrested on June 11, 2024, in Kayole and taken to the DCI headquarters for questioning before being arraigned. 

He will be held at the Muthaiga police station to allow the DCI to finish investigations into allegations of publishing false information, in violation of Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018, according to a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

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The vocal activist is also under investigation for cyber harassment, contrary to Section 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, among other offenses. 

The Investigating Officer handling the case has indicated that initial investigations have revealed suspicious accounts allegedly managed by Okanga, which posted malicious and false information about the Republic of Kenya and its leadership, advocating for public disturbance.

Prosecution Counsel Virginia Kariuki informed the court that police are investigating the continued dissemination of harmful comments posted online via various social media platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, as well as websites linked to Okanga. 

These comments are considered a threat to peace, order, and public safety. The police have identified Okanga as a serial offender in this investigation.

The case is scheduled to be mentioned again on June 18, 2024.